Fresh starts for Drake, Parker

Pair looking forward to clean slates with new coaching staff

DAVIE — Miami Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake will no longer have to share a backfield with veteran Frank Gore, and has a chance to be the go-to option at his position next season.

Dolphins receiver DeVante Parker has been given new life in Miami after the team restructured the fifth-year option of his last contract, agreeing to a new two-year deal with Parker with hopes he’ll reach his full potential.

Both Drake and Parker have something in common as the Dolphins participated Wednesday in the second of three voluntary workouts this week ahead of next week’s NFL draft.

They hope to take advantage of a clean slate with new coach Brian Flores and members of the coaching staff, like new offensive coordinator Chad O’Shea, during the 2019 season.

“It’s important to just take everything in stride, whether somebody was still here or a new coach, whatever the case may be,” said Drake, who will be working with returning running backs coach Eric Studesville.

“I’m just controlling what I can control. I’m just accepting the challenge.”

Added Parker: “Yeah, it’s a fresh start. We have new coaches, and it’s just another opportunity for me.”

Drake, Miami’s leader with nine offensive touchdowns last season, will share playing time with second-year running back Kalen Ballage at one of the thinnest positions on the roster.

The Dolphins signed running back Kenneth Farrow, a former New England Patriots practice squad player last season who set the AAF’s singlegame rushing record with 142 yards, to add depth. But Miami could likely add another running back or two to the position.

Drake, who has 16 total touchdowns with 1,358 yards rushing in three seasons, said the new Dolphins coaching staff gives him an opportunity to learn a new offense and further his career.

“I’m just taking it one day at a time, honestly,” Drake said. “I’m trying to get the plays, submit them in my brain and come out and run them. I want to get everything worked out with [new quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick], the O-line and the receivers.”

Parker, Miami’s first round draft pick in 2015, signed a twoyear deal that could be worth $13 million after Miami declined to honor his fifth-year option that would’ve paid him $9.4 million.

Parker fits into Miami’s rebuild as a low-risk, high-reward young player.

He has caught 163 passes for 2,217 yards with nine touchdowns in his first four seasons with the Dolphins, but has missed 11 games to various injuries.

“I was excited, for them having confidence, having trust and faith in me to sign me again,” Parker said.

“I just love the atmosphere, the fans, and everyone out here. There’s a good group of guys here, and I’m happy I’m able to be here again.”

LYNNE SLADKY/AP DeVante Parker, a first-round pick in 2015, has just nine touchdowns in his four-year career.